Cans stolen from Lions collection site

CALLIDE Valley Lions Club member Francis Moretti was shocked to discover 6000 aluminium cans were stolen from the Lions collection depot over the weekend of June 29.

Lions Club president Col Nevell described the incident as a 'low act'.

"It's a little bit infuriating as we are coming down doing this in our spare time and what we collect raises money which goes back to charities such as CQ Helicopter Rescue and the community,” Mr Nevell said.

"It's about $500 to $600 worth,” Mr Moretti said.

"Only the cans were targeted because it's easier to transport as it is lightweight.”

The thieves used fertiliser bags, found on the premises, to transfer the cans from the four 1000 litre shuttles they were stored in ready for deposit.

"I believe there had to be two or three people involved in the theft to transfer the cans from the container to the bags,” Mr Moretti said.

This is not the first time the cans have been stolen from the club, with a theft occurring in early January this year.

"Last time they took the shuttle and all,” Mr Moretti said.

The recent theft has made the club more vigilant about securing the site.

"We will be making the site more secure from now on and are maybe looking at installing cameras,” Mr Moretti said.

Unfortunately the community missed out when thefts like this occurred, Mr Moretti said.

"The funds raised go back to the community; we recently donated to the Baralaba Tennis Club to arrange a new playground for the kids.

"Everyone who volunteers is really disappointed.”

President Col Nevell said he has spoken to a detective at the local police station about the incident.

Mr Nevell also alerted other sporting clubs in the area as they had also been collecting cans and glass at events to raise money for their organisations.

"It's a good money making thing for the community and it's all voluntary.”

Mr Nevell has been involved with the Lions club for more 20 years and Mr Moretti for 15 with both men saying they have never had to lock the gates to the Lions collection facility.